Post #723422 by djmont on Tue, Jul 22, 2014 3:10 PM

Hemingway had a hereditary disease called Hemochromatosis, which can cause diabetes (amongst a litany of other maladies). Ernest's father, Clarence, had the disease, as well as diabetes, and it was likely one of the reasons he killed himself. Papa wanted to avoid that fate, so he ordered his drinks without sugar.

Of course, the rampant alcoholism didn't help things, regardless...